Python

What is Python

Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language. It incorporates modules, exceptions, dynamic typing, very high level dynamic data types, and classes. Python combines remarkable power with very clear syntax. It has interfaces to many system calls and libraries, as well as to various window systems, and is extensible in C or C++. It is also usable as an extension language for applications that need a programmable interface. Finally, Python is portable: it runs on many Unix variants, on the Mac, and on PCs under MS-DOS, Windows, Windows NT, and OS/2.

Taken from the official Python FAQ.

Roguelike specific details

Python's expressive code, dynamic typing, flexible data types, and powerful OO and exception handling facilities make it well-suited to quick, productive RL development. Python is not the best choice if a small memory footprint or raw performance are important. Psyco allows you to get more performance at the cost of more memory, and is highly recommended.

Realted links

WCurses, a Python module implementing a substantial subset of the Curses interface under Windows. Python includes Curses support by default for other OS's.

Psyco, the specializing compiler for Python. Improves performance 2 to 100 times (usually about 4 times), and requires little more from the programmer than to import the module.

py2exe is a package which converts Python scripts into executable Windows programs, able to run without requiring a Python installation. Since most Windows users will not have Python installed, py2exe is a good way to distribute your Python game to that audience.